Renowned reggae drummer Sly Dunbar, a two-time Grammy Award winner known for his work with iconic artists like Bob Marley and Bob Dylan, has passed away at the age of 73. His wife, Thelma, confirmed the news to the Jamaica Gleaner.
Dunbar, along with bassist Robbie Shakespeare, formed the influential reggae duo Sly and Robbie, also known as the Riddim Twins. Together, they contributed to reggae classics by artists such as Black Uhuru, Jimmy Cliff, and Peter Tosh, gaining international recognition through collaborations with Grace Jones and the Rolling Stones.
Their collaborations extended to albums by artists like Grace Jones, Serge Gainsbourg, and Bob Dylan. Notable works include Jones’s albums “Warm Leatherette,” “Nightclubbing,” and “Living My Life,” as well as Dylan’s albums “Infidels,” “Empire Burlesque,” and “Down in the Groove.”
Various music icons, including UB40’s Ali Campbell and the Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood, paid tribute to Dunbar online, emphasizing his pioneering influence on modern beats through reggae and dancehall rhythms.
Dunbar’s musical legacy includes playing with the Revolutionaries at Jamaica’s Channel One studio and contributing to albums by Junior Murvin, Maxi Priest, and Bob Marley. His impact on the music industry was recognized with 13 Grammy nominations and two wins, for Black Uhuru’s “Anthem” in 1985 and Sly and Robbie’s “Friends” in 1999.
In addition to his reggae roots, Dunbar collaborated with a diverse range of artists such as Joe Cocker, No Doubt, and Carly Simon. His influence on the reggae scene extended to co-founding Taxi Records in 1980, nurturing talents like Shaggy, Shabba Ranks, and Skip Marley.
Producer Brian Eno once remarked on Dunbar’s ubiquitous presence in reggae music, highlighting his drumming as a defining element across numerous records. Sly Dunbar’s impact on music transcends genres, leaving a lasting legacy in the industry.
